The days are getting longer and warmer, the fields are full of lambs and the countryside is starting to come back to life. Spring is in the air and there is no better time to visit one of Devon’s many beautiful gardens. You’ll be spoilt for choice – the county offers everything from large estates to small private gardens. Many of the latter are only open to the public through the NGS ‘Yellow Book’ or similar schemes, so you wouldn’t otherwise get a chance to see them. The following are a selection of local gardens that are definitely worth a visit:
RHS Garden Rosemoor, Torrington
www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor
The only RHS garden in the south-west, Rosemoor is probably most famous for its Hot Border, which dazzles with vibrant colour in the summer months. However, there is plenty to see at other times of the year too: cherry blossom in spring, autumn leaf colour and the Winter Garden during the colder months. Other highlights include the Rose Garden, the Kitchen Garden and Potager and Lady Anne’s Arboretum. The South West Orchard features apple varieties chosen either for their West Country connections, including those used for cider, or because they thrive in the climate here, while the Devon Orchard seeks to preserve locally-raised cultivars, some of which are very rare and are in danger of being lost.
Stone Lane Gardens, Chagford
This enchanting 5-acre woodland and water garden sits on the edge of Dartmoor National Park and houses national collections of birch and alder. The arboretum specialises in rare and unusual trees that you probably won’t see elsewhere in the UK. Between June and October each year, the garden hosts an open-air sculpture exhibition, which culminates in the awarding of the annual Ashburner prize. The theme of the 2021 exhibition is ‘Regeneration’ and reflects life after COVID19. Disabled access is possible in the gardens, but limited. Dogs on leads are permitted.
Lukesland, Ivybridge
This family-run garden is set in the picturesque valley of the Addicombe Brook, and is based around numerous islands and bridges. Covering 24 acres, it features a wide range of spring- and autumn-flowering shrubs and specimen trees, some of which date back to Victorian times. The garden also boasts several national, England and Devon ‘Champion’ trees, although the famous magnolia has now been overtaken by ones at Borde Hill in Sussex. New features for 2021 include a scented garden, featuring herbs and other scented plants, and a Sound and Story garden for children. Wheelchair access is possible to limited areas of the gardens and is free of charge. Children are also admitted to the gardens for free. Dogs are welcome on a lead.
The Garden House, Buckland Monachorum, Yelverton
This stunning and romantic garden, situated on the fringes of Dartmoor, is a real plantsman’s paradise! The house itself was formerly the home of the vicars of Buckland Monachorum, but now houses the garden’s tearooms. The garden covers 10 acres and varies in planting styles, but is particularly well-known for its summer and cottage gardens. However, the acer glade, walled garden and terraces and Jubilee arboretum means that there is always something interesting to see, no matter what the season. Children will particularly enjoy exploring secret pathways on the garden trail. There is a shop selling gifts and garden accessories as well as plants grown by local producers. The garden is entirely funded by the work of a small charity, so why not make a visit and support this worthy cause.
Andrew’s Corner, Belstone
Perched 1000 feet above sea level, this lovely garden gains much of its character from its spectacular moorland setting. The planting here provides year-round interest: an extensive snowdrop collection, along with other bulbs, heralds the start of the gardening year, while rhododendrons, meconopsis and alpines carry the interest through to the spring and summer. In the autumn, the garden’s collection of acers provides a late burst of colour. There is also a kitchen garden, with a greenhouse and chicken coop. Quiz sheets, fairy doors and a playhouse will keep younger members of the family occupied. The garden, which is privately owned, is open on numerous dates each year as part of the NGS scheme, and in support of a local children’s hospice charity.
